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School staff elected, resignations accepted

By Carolyn LeeThe Imperial Republican The Chase County Schools (CCS) board accepted four resignations, hired three staff members, and elected current certified and classified staff for the 2013-14 school year during a meeting Tuesday night. Elementary Principal Pat Lane tendered his resignation effective the end of the school year, saying daughter Molly has had a severe illness dating back to November 2011. He said “something in Imperial” triggers the cyclic vomiting syndrome and his family will be moving, as her health is their main concern. Lane said he’s looking for a job in Cheyenne, Wyo., where Molly and mother Lori are currently residing. Lane has been the elementary principal for two years. Fourth grade teacher Gary Patch will retire the end of the school year. He said that after 29 years in a rewarding career, “It’s time to kick back and relax.” Girls high school basketball Coach Nancy Sorensen and assistant high school girls volleyball Coach Shannon Waggoner both resigned, siting in part the need to spend more time with their families. The board approved the hiring of Gary Johnson as instructor for the summer Driver’s Ed program, Debra Blecha as high school secretary, and Norma Medrano as activities custodian.The board approved a contract with Heartland Roofing to replace roof sections over the elementary and high school gyms and the band/vocal music rooms at a cost of $324,600. The contractor is ready to start, Superintendent Dr. Brad Schoeppey said, with work to be completed before the gym floor is removed this summer. In other discussion, the technology committee is discussing a possible buy out of computers for seniors, and a rotation method for buying computers for different grades and teachers. The issue will be discussed at the next board meeting. During the Tuesday meeting, board members and some teachers present also discussed the reworking of the Reading Mastery program. At present, Reading Coach Angie Dickey said 20 minutes of standard reading teaching has been reintroduced into the elementary curriculum, with Reading Mastery still being used. “We’ve loosened the program a lot,” she noted. Board President Jeff Olsen stated that the school is “not going to scrap the whole program.” Teachers and administrators are working to supplement the program, while addressing its strengths and weaknesses. The board began discussion of the Reading Mastery program several months ago after state tests showed low reading scores for CCS students. The school introduced the program four years ago. The board also approved a contract with ESU #15 for personnel for the next school year. Discussion was also held concerning the transportation of students to events by bus and van. Troy Hauxwell addressed the board about the possibility of combining trips that would normally be made by van, and instead using buses with certified drivers. He said he was concerned about the safety of using sponsors as van drivers during long trips.